System and process for treating waste water

ABSTRACT

The present invention is generally directed to a process and system for treating animal waste. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a process and system for treating animal waste effluent with ozone to decompose the organic material within and improve the odor of the animal waste. The process of the present invention also reduces biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total bacterial content and coliform bacterial count of the animal waste. The process of this present invention comprises collecting an animal waste solution, containing a mixture of water and animal fecal material; contacting the waste solution with ozone in an amount sufficient to oxidize at least a portion of the organic material contained within; and feeding the ozone treated waste solution to a solids separating device prior to collecting the waste solution in a biobasin or, alternatively, recycling the ozone treated waste solution for use as a source of irrigation or flushwater.

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/320904, filled May 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,324.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a process and system fortreating waste water. More particularly, the present invention isdirected to a process and system for treating an effluent with ozone todecompose the organic material within, sufficiently reducemicroorganisms within, and improve the odor of the liquid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One major dilemma plaguing farmers who raise livestock and/or poultry isthe ability to efficiently neutralize and dispose of animal waste. Leftuntreated, animal waste is a significant health and environmentalhazard. Animal waste creates a public nuisance because of its odor, andimproper disposal is associated with significant problems such as watercontamination.

In the past, animal waste was typically collected and channeled to apond or lagoon. Before being emptied into the lagoon, the animal wastemay or may not have been separated via mechanical means in order toremove various particulate matter such as sediment. Once fed to the pondor lagoon, the animal waste came in contact with various microorganismsand underwent biodegradation.

Prior art systems, however, have various deficiencies and drawbacks. Inparticular, these systems did little to initially improve the odor ofthe waste. Typically, odors originating from the animal waste were onlyimproved or reduced over a substantial amount of time.

Further, these systems tended to work very slowly and would completelyfail under some environmental conditions. For instance, under stagnantand hot conditions, the pond or lagoon would fail to adequatelybiodegrade the waste, overloading the system and creating a veryunfavorable situation. Continued deposit of waste into the overloadedsystem would result in reduced growth or death of the microorganismsresponsible for biodegradation.

As such, a need currently exists for an improved system and process fortreating animal waste. In particular, a need currently exists for aprocess that can safely treat animal waste very rapidly to immediatelyreduce or otherwise improve the odor that is given off by the waste. Aneed also exists for a system and process that can very quickly reduceBOD, COD, total bacterial count, and the total coliform count present inanimal waste.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process and systemfor treating animal waste.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process fortreating liquid waste to improve the odor associated with the liquidwaste.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a process fortreating animal waste comprising contacting the animal waste solutionwith ozone in an amount sufficient to oxidize and decompose organicmatter contained in the animal waste solution.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a system andprocess to treat animal waste such that BOD, COD, total bacterialcontent and the coliform content of the waste are substantially reduced.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved byproviding a system and process for treating animal waste. The processincludes the steps of collecting an animal waste solution containing amixture of water and animal fecal matter and contacting the animal wastesolution with ozone in an amount sufficient to oxidize organic mattercontained in the animal waste solution. Specifically, the process fortreating animal waste is capable of improving the odor associated withthe animal waste. The process of the present invention also reduces BOD,COD, total bacterial content and the coliform content associated withthe animal waste. By partially oxidizing the organic matter in route toa lagoon, the process of the present invention makes the organic mattermore readily biodegradable and utilizable by the microflora in thelagoon

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, includesreference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical view of an animal waste system made inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical view illustrating an in-line ozonation devicemade in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3(a) is a graph illustrating the results of biochemical oxygendemand (BOD) and pretreatment waste solution as compared to posttreatment waste solution;

FIG. 3(b) is a graph illustrating the total aerobic bacterial count ofthe pretreatment waste solution compared to waste solution treated inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3(c) is a graph illustrating the coliform bacteria count inpretreatment waste as compared to waste treated in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 3(d) is a graphic illustration of the chemical oxygen demand (COD)in pretreated waste versus waste treated in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates reverse phase HPLC analysis of odoriferous manurecomponents in a solution before treatment, as compared to a solutionafter treatment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a photograph illustrating the appearance of pretreatment wastesolution as compared to waste treated in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of in-line ozonation device made inaccordance with the present invention.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent same or analogous features of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention aredisclosed in, or are obvious from, the following Detailed Description.It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and isnot intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present inventionswhich broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary construction.

In general, the present invention is broadly directed to a process fortreating animal waste, and other malodorous wastewater. In particular,the system and process of the present invention are directed towardtreating animal waste with ozone in an amount sufficient to oxidizeorganic matter contained in the waste, so that the odor accompanying theanimal waste is substantially reduced. Additionally, treatment of animalwaste according to the present invention results in a significantreduction in the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand(COD), total bacteria count, and coliform bacteria count.

One presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is broadlyillustrated in FIG. 1. System 10 generally comprises a barn or otheranimal containment area, flush tank 20, treatment chamber 30, settlingdevice 40, solids separator 60, a first biobasin 70, a second biobasin80, and charge pond 90. System 10 may further include conduit 11,connecting flush tank 20 to treatment chamber 30; conduit 12, connectingtreatment chamber 30 to settling device 40; conduit 13, connectingsettling device 40 to solids separator 60; conduit 14, connecting solidsseparator 60 to first biobasin 70; conduit 15, connecting first biobasin70 to second biobasin 80; and discharge line 16, connecting secondbiobasin 80 to charge pond 90.

Animal facilities often use contained areas to house animals for atleast a portion of the animal's growth cycle. For example, farmingoperations, poultry houses and livestock production facilities maysegregate some, if not all, of the animals in a barn or other enclosedstructure. Likewise, commercial facilities such as dog kennels may breedand house animals in an enclosed structure. Enclosed structures presenta problem to the animal caretaker, however, in that excrement and otherwaste products such as spilled feed, must be discarded. One disposalsolution is to flush the floor of the containment area with runningwater so as to produce an animal waste solution. The animal wastesolution is subsequently flushed via a drain into a holding area.Alternately, animal waste may be collected manually and disposed of in aholding area. The animal waste solution in the holding area can besubjected to further treatment, if desired.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a system for animal waste treatment isillustrated. According to the present invention, flush tank 20 can beconfigured as a tank, a drum, a chamber, a cylinder, a fluid hose, afluid pipe, or in any other shape sufficient to contain fluid within forflushing animal waste from the floor of a barn or other animalcontainment facility. The tank can be made of various material inaccordance with the invention, such as steel, concrete, aluminum, or anyother material suitable for holding fluid. The size of the tank canrange from about 1 gallon to about 1,000,000 gallons depending on thesize of the operation to be flushed.

In one embodiment contemplated by the present invention, flush tank 20is associated with an ozonator to provide a source of ozone for treatingcontaminated water. The ozonator will be described in more detail below.

In a preferred embodiment, flush tank 20 further comprises a mechanismfor rapidly releasing flush water. According to the present invention,the mechanism may include a pump sufficient to pump water from tank 20through conduit 11 to waste treatment chamber 30. Alternately, flushwater may be discharged gravitationally from flush tank 20.

In accordance with the present invention, conduit 11, connecting flushtank 20 to treatment chamber 30, may comprise a floor, a pipe, a tube, achannel or any other device suitable for safely transporting a fluidsolution from a source to a receptacle. Fluid may be driven throughconduit 11 as a result of force generated by a pump or, alternatively,the fluid may be conducted through conduit 11 by gravity. Fluid flowingthrough conduit 11 flushes animal waste from the animal holding area totreatment chamber 30.

According to the present invention, an animal waste solution isdeposited into treatment chamber 30. As described above, the wastesolution comprises waste flushed from the floor of an animal containmentfacility by flush water from flush tank 20 and travels via conduit 11into treatment chamber 30. In an alternative embodiment, animal wastemay be collected from the animal containment area and manually depositedinto treatment chamber 30, to be mixed with water from flush tank 20.

Treatment chamber 30 is configured as described above for flush tank 20.Depending upon the amount of animal waste to be treated, treatmentchamber 30 ranges in size from about 1 gallon to about 1,000,000gallons.

In accordance with the present invention, treatment chamber 30preferably is associated with an ozonator to provide a source of ozonefor waste treatment. In general, an ozonator produces ozone by, forexample, applying electricity to air or oxygen resulting inozone-enriched air. One embodiment of the present invention contemplatesan ozonator comprising an ozone generator, but any device which createsozone from air or oxygen and permits the ozone produced to contact theanimal waste solution, such that the ozone reacts with animal wasteconstituents, is contemplated by the present invention.

As described above, the ozonator of the present invention can include asource of electricity to produce ozone from air or oxygen. Preferably,the electricity source for the ozonator comprises a photoelectric array,however, other sources of electricity useful for producing ozone fromair or oxygen are contemplated by the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the ozonator includes multiple ports locatedat or near the bottom of treatment chamber 30, to permit the ozonegenerated by the ozonator to enter the bottom of chamber 30 to contactthe animal waste solution therein.

Waste treatment chamber 30 further includes a mechanical pump, orgravitational transport configured as described above, for pumping fluidfrom treatment chamber 30 to settling device 40. It should beunderstood, however, that settling device 40 can be located prior totreatment chamber 30 in an alternative embodiment.

Conduit 12, configured as described above for conduit 11, carriespost-ozonated animal waste solution from waste treatment chamber 30 tosettling device 40. As contemplated by the present invention, settlingdevice 40 may comprise a concrete pad or, alternatively, any suitableclarifier may be used which is configured to slow the flow rate of thepost-ozonated waste solution and permit solids to settle out from thewaste solution.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, settling device 40 comprises a concrete pad totrap sand and other sediment from the post-ozonated animal wastesolution. The post-ozonated animal waste solution is conducted fromsettling device 40 into solids separator 60 via conduit 13. Conduit 13is configured as described above for conduit 11. Solids separator 60separates suspended solids from the animal waste solution, therebydecreasing the contamination of the remaining solution.

The post-ozonated animal waste solution is conducted from solidsseparator 60 into first biobasin 70 via conduit 14, configured asdescribed above for conduit 11. First biobasin 70 may comprise a pond, alagoon, a holding tank or other suitable reservoir for holding fluid.Preferably, first biobasin 70 further includes microorganisms configuredto degrade or utilize organic matter within the animal waste system.

In accordance with the present invention, the waste solution from firstbiobasin 70 can be decanted for use in irrigation or, alternatively,conducted via conduit 15 to second biobasin 80. Second biobasin 80 maybe configured to contain additional microorganisms to degrade or utilizeorganic components in the waste. In yet another embodiment contemplatedby the invention, the waste solution from first biobasin 70 can berecirculated to treatment chamber 30 via conduit 15. Conduit 15 isconfigured as described above for conduit 11, and may further compriseat least one valve, such that the flow of waste solution can be directedalong the desired path.

From second biobasin 80, excess water can be decanted for various uses.Alternatively, the water can be conducted to charge pond 90 via conduit16. The water in charge pond 90 provides a source of water for flushtank 20 and may be held for an indefinite period until needed. Conduit16 is configured as described above for conduit 11.

One method for operating the animal waste treatment system of thepresent invention will now be described. One embodiment of the presentinvention includes a barn or alternate animal confinement area. Animalsconfined within the barn produce animal waste, comprising excrement,spilled food, used bedding and the like. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, water from flush tank 20 mixes with animal waste fromthe barn floor, making an animal waste solution. Water from flush tank20 flushes the animal waste solution into treatment chamber 30 viaconduit 11. Alternatively, animal waste can be manually deposited intotreatment chamber 30, wherein water from flush tank 20 mixes with animalwaste to make an animal waste solution.

Treatment chamber 30 is preferably associated with an ozonator, suchthat ozone is bubbled from the ozonator into chamber 30 to contact thewaste solution in an amount sufficient to oxidize at least a portion ofany organic material contained in the animal waste solution. The ozonein the ozone-enriched air decomposes organic compounds present in thewaste solution. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, theconcentration of ozone necessary to treat animal waste is dependent upona number of variables including: the volume of the treatment chamber;the amount of time animal waste solution is in contact with ozone; thetemperature inside the chamber; the presence of ultraviolet light; thepresence or absence of agitation; the number of times/day the holdingfacility is flushed; and the concentration of organic solids in theflushed material.

According to the present invention, the animal waste solution iscontacted with ozone for a sufficient length of time to ozonate at leasta portion of the organic compounds contained within the solution. Theozone concentration can be at least about 0.01 ppm; preferably fromabout 0.1 ppm to about 1.0 ppm; and most preferably close to or atsaturation.

Following ozone treatment, post-ozonated treated animal waste solutionis conducted from waste treatment chamber 30 to settling device 40 viaconduit 12. Settling device 40 comprises a suitable clarifier whichpermits the flow rate of the post-ozonated waste solution to be slowed,so that heavy solids settle out from the waste solution. For example,settling device 40 may be a concrete pad, such that passage across thepad may slow the flow rate of the post-ozonated waste solution andpermit sand and other particulates to be trapped. Following passageacross settling device 40, post-ozonated waste solution is conducted tosolids separator 60 via conduit 13. According to one embodimentcontemplated by the present invention, post-ozonated waste solutionenters the top of settling device 40 through conduit 12 positioned atthe top of settling device 40, and exits through conduit 13 positionedat the bottom of settling device 40, thus allowing gravity to facilitatethe filtering of the post-ozone treated animal waste solution.

Conduit 13 conducts the post-ozonated waste solution from settlingdevice 40 to solids separator 60, wherein suspended particulate matteris further removed from animal waste solution. Post-ozone treated animalwaste solution is conducted from solid separator 60 to first biobasin70, containing microorganisms configured to biodegrade certaincomponents in the waste solution.

In one embodiment of the present invention, waste solution from firstbiobasin 70 can be recirculated to treatment chamber 30 via conduit 14.Conduit 14 further comprises a valve. In a first open position, thevalve permits the animal waste solution to be recycled from firstbiobasin 70 to treatment chamber 30 via conduit 14, permitting the wastesolution to be sequentially contacted with ozone to further reducecontaminants in the waste solution.

In a second closed position, the valve directs the animal waste solutionvia conduit 14 to second biobasin 80. Second biobasin 80 may furthercomprise additional microorganisms, different species or the same as infirst biobasin 70, to degrade the organic components contained in thewaste solution.

From second biobasin 80, the animal waste solution is decanted throughdischarge line 16 for further use. For example, the excess waterdecanted from the post-ozonated animal waste solution can be used forirrigation of farmland or, alternatively, used as a source for theirrigation of public property such as golf courses, parks and the like.

Alternatively, the excess water from the treated animal waste solutionexiting from first biobasin 70 or from second biobasin 80 can bedischarged into charge pond 90 by means of a conduit system containingat least one valve. The water from charge pond 90 can be fed via conduit17 into tank 20, thus providing a recirculating source of flush waterfor the animal waste treatment system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the ozonated aqueoussolution can be fed to a plant system 85 as shown in FIG. 1 for plantgrowth. For example, some waste materials such as animal waste containrelatively high concentrations of fertilizing nutrients, such asnitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. These nutrients are typicallycontained in the ozonated solution. In accordance with the presentinvention, the solution can be fed to the plants that will beneficiallyremove these nutrients from the solution.

In general, the solution can be fed to any suitable plant or crop. Inone embodiment, the solution can be fed to a wetland for use by anyvegetation that may be present in the wetland. A wetland is typicallydefined as a foliage and vegetation area that is configured to acceptrunoff.

Alternatively, the solution can be fed to plants in a hydroponic system.A hydroponic system involves growing plants in a soil-less system,usually in a liquid medium that provides all essential minerals. Forexample, a hydroponic system may be a highly regulated and controlledsystem for growing plant tissue in individual containers. Alternatively,the hydroponic system can be used to grow algae.

In still another embodiment, the solution can be used as irrigationwater. For example, the solution can be sprayed over a field or used toirrigate plants grown in greenhouse flats or similar containers.

As shown in FIG. 1, solution discharged from second biobasin 80 can befed to the plant system. It should be understood, however, that theozonated solution can be fed to the plant system 85 from otherlocations. For example, the ozonated solution can be fed to the plantsystem 85 from the treatment chamber 30, from the settling device 40,from the solid separator 60, and/or from the first biobasin 70. Itshould also be understood that the solution can be further contactedwith ozone in accordance with the present invention and further ozonatedprior to being deposited into the plant system after any of the abovelocations.

In one particular embodiment of the present invention, waste materialsare collected in treatment chamber 30 and ozonated in accordance withthe present invention. The ozonated solution is then fed directly intothe plant system for plant growth.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an in-line ozonator useful in the presentinvention is illustrated. In general, the in-line ozonator can be usedto replace treatment chamber 30 in the present invention when smallvolumes of low particle waste water are to be treated. Also contemplatedby the present invention is placing an in-line ozonator anywhere in thesystem illustrated in FIG. 1 between any of the components. However, itshould be appreciated that many other various uses for an in-lineozonator exist. For example, in accordance with the present invention,an in-line ozonator can be placed in a golf course and used to treatirrigation water.

It should be understood that the in-line ozonator can be used to treatany malodorous waste water or low particulate waste water in accordancewith the present invention.

In-line ozonator system 24 broadly comprises ozonator 21, connected tou-shaped tube 23 by at least one connector 22; u-shaped tube 23,connected via a first swivel joint 25 to inlet 27 and connected via asecond swivel joint 25 to outlet 28; tank 20 and cover 26. As shown,u-shaped tube 23 includes a bottom section 29 which is at an elevationlower than inlet 27 and outlet 28. Inlet 27 and outlet 28, in thisembodiment, are axially opposed.

Ozonator 21 preferably comprises an ozone generator to generates ozonefrom air and/or oxygen and produce ozone-enriched air. Ozonator 21further includes a source of electricity to produce ozone. Preferablythe electricity source comprises a photovoltaic array, however, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that other mechanisms forgenerating electricity may be suitable for use in the present invention.Ozonator 21 is connected to u-shaped tube 23 by at least one connector22.

As embodied by the present invention, connector 22 may comprise a tube,pipe, channel or other device suitable to allow ozone to enter u-shapedtube 23, permitting ozone to contact the waste solution in an amountsufficient to oxidize at least a portion of any organic materialcontained in the animal waste solution. In a preferred embodiment,ozonator 21 permanently connects u-shaped tube 23 by connector 22,however, a non-permanent connection between ozonator 21 and u-tube 23via connector 22 is contemplated by the present invention.

U-shaped tube 23 preferably comprises first and second swivel joint 25.First swivel joint 25 connects u-shaped tube 23 to inlet 27, permittingentry of the animal waste solution into u-shaped tube 23 to contactozone. Second swivel joint 25 connects u-shaped tube 23 to outlet 28,permitting the egress of post-ozonated waste solution.

During waste treatment operation, u-shaped tube 23 is positioned in afirst position as shown in FIG. 2, having bottom 29 at the lowest pointof u-shaped tube 23. To facilitate flushing and removing of sediment,u-shaped tube 23 can be swivelled into a second position, via first andsecond swivel joint 25, such that bottom 29 is positioned at highestpoint of u-shaped tube 23.

The use of the u-shaped tube 23 offers various benefits and advantages.In particular, the use of a u-shaped tube ensures that the nozzle of theozonator remains completely immersed in the solution flowing through thetube, even under low flow conditions. For example, in low flowconditions, the fluid being treated will accumulate in the u-shaped tubeeven though the inlet 27 and the outlet 28 may only be partially befilled with fluid.

As contemplated by the present invention, tank 20 comprises a tank,drum, chamber, or other container suitable for holding u-shaped tube 23and ozonator 21 and having a sufficient diameter to permit u-shaped tube23 to swivel for operation. Tank 20 further comprises cover 26permitting access to ozonator system 24.

Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of an in-line ozonatorgenerally 100 is shown. In this embodiment, in order to contact asolution containing organic compounds with ozone, the system includes aninlet 127 separated from an outlet 128 by a venturi 110. Venturi 110 isin communication with ozonator 121. A venturi is a constriction that isplaced in a pipe or tube that causes a drop in pressure as fluid flowsthrough it. As shown in the figure, the venturi can include a straightsection or a throat positioned in between two tapered sections. Whenused in the process of the present invention, the venturi draws theozone into the main flow stream.

Using a venturi in the system of the present invention offers variousadvantages. For instance, the venturi allows the ozone to rapidlycombine with the solution containing the organic compounds to betreated. Thus, a maximum amount of ozone can be dissolved into thesolution. Further, better mixing between the ozone and the organiccompounds is achieved using the venturi.

Venturi 110 can be used in the system illustrated in FIG. 1 in order tofeed ozonated water to the treatment chamber 30 (see inlet 127 andoutlet 128 in phantom to illustrate U-shaped embodiment). For example,in one embodiment, the venturi 110 can be placed within a circulationconduit that is placed in communication with treatment chamber 30. Thesolution accumulated in the treatment chamber 30 can then be pumpedusing a pump through the circulation conduit and into the venturi forcontract with ozone. The solution contained within the treatment chambercan be repeatedly circulated through the circulation conduit until thesolution is ozonated to the extent desired.

Alternatively, the in-line ozonator can also be used for treating anyaqueous solution.

The present invention may be better understood with reference to thefollowing examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Ozone Treatment of Animal Waste

For each experimental replication, samples of wastewater (about 1 pinteach) were collected from the LaMaster Dairy Farm barn flushsystem(Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.). To ensure a representativesample of barn flushwater was treated, samples were collected from thebeginning, middle, and end of a barn flush cycle such that the totalvolume collected was approximately 1.0 gallon. Samples collected fromeach timepoint were commingled and immediately transported to thelaboratory.

In the lab, samples were thoroughly mixed before treating individualsamples (final volume of each sample ranged from about 50 mls to about2.0 L) according to the present invention.

Ozone, generated by a PUREPOWER ozonator (Longmark Ozone Industries,Yreka, Calif.), was bubbled through the wastewater samples for 20minutes at a concentration of from about 0.3 ppm ozone to about 0.4 ppmozone. Samples of the wastewater, collected in test tubes before andafter ozone treatment, were analyzed for biochemical oxygen demand(BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total bacteria count, coliformbacteria count, and for malodorous aromatic compounds by reverse phasechromatography.

EXAMPLE 2 BOD Levels in Post-treated Wastewater

Biochemical Oxygen demand (BOD) was measured by the 5-day BOD testmethod. Experimental protocols for measuring BOD can be readily obtainedfrom consulting standard reference texts such as Section 5210 B ofStandard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 19thedition, 1995; Eaton, A.D., L.S. Clesceri, and A.E. Greenberg, eds.(American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.; the contents ofwhich is incorporated in its entirety) without undue experimentation.

FIG. 3A is a graphic illustration comparing the BOD in the wastewatereffluent before ozone-treatment to that following treatment according tothe present invention. FIG. 3A shows a significant reduction in BODoccurs as a result of treatment, from approximately 5000 mg/L toapproximately 1000 mg/L.

EXAMPLE 3 Total Bacteria Count in Post-treated Wastewater

Total aerobic bacteria counts may be determined by using standardexperimental methods, such as the aerobic plate count method outlined inchapter 3 of the FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual, 8th edition,1995 (AOAC International, Gaithersburg, MD; the contents of which isincorporated in its entirety) without undue experimentation.

FIG. 3B is a graphic illustration comparing the total aerobic bacteriacount in the wastewater effluent before ozone-treatment to thatfollowing treatment according to the present invention. FIG. 3B shows asignificant reduction in total aerobic bacteria count occurs as a resultof treatment, from approximately 8 log CFU/ml to approximately 5 logCFU/ml.

EXAMPLE 4: Coliform Bacteria Count in Post-treated Wastewater

Coliform bacteria were enumerated in the before and after samples byusing the violet red bile agar (VRBA) solid media method as outlined inchapter 4, section E, of the FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual, 8thedition, 1995 (AOAC International, Gaithersburg, MD; the contents ofwhich is incorporated in its entirety).

FIG. 3C graphically illustrates the number of coliform bacteria presentin wastewater before treatment as compared to the coliform bacteriapresent in samples treated according to the present invention. As can beseen from the graph in FIG. 3C, a significant reduction in coliformcounts of about 4 logs occurs following treatment, from approximately 7log CFU/ml to approximately 3 log CFU/ml.

EXAMPLE 5 COD levels in Post-treated Wastewater

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was measured by the Closed Reflux,Colimetric Method. Experimental protocols for measuring COD can bereadily obtained from consulting standard reference texts such asSection 5220 D of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water andWastewater, 19th edition, 1995; Eaton, A.D., L.S. Clesceri, and A.E.Greenberg, eds. (American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.;the contents of which is incorporated in its entirety) without undueexperimentation.

FIG. 3D is a graphic illustration comparing the COD in the wastewatereffluent before ozone-treatment to that following treatment according tothe present invention. FIG. 3D shows a significant reduction in CODoccurs as a result of treatment, from approximately 9000 mg/L toapproximately 4000 mg/L.

EXAMPLE 6 Levels of Malodorous Aromatic Compounds in Post-treatedWastewater

Malodorous aromatic compounds (indole, skatole, cresol, and the like)were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using awater/acetonitrile gradient and a C5 reverse phase column (Phenomenex,Torrence, Calif.). Detection was at 280 nm using the Rainin gradientDYNAMAX system with Macintosh computer control and METHOD MANAGERSOFTWARE (Rainin Instrument Co., Woburn, Mass.).

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the results of reverse phase high poweredliquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the components responsible forthe odor associated with animal waste. As can be seen in the HPLC graph,following treatment according to the present invention, levels of theodoriferous components are significantly reduced.

FIG. 5 is a photograph showing the appearance of wastewater effluentbefore treatment (5A) as compared to the appearance of effluent treatedaccording to the present invention (5B). FIG. 5 shows that the treatedwaste solution is clear and colorless as compared to the pre-treatedeffluent.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been describedusing specific terms, devices, concentrations, and methods, suchdescription is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are wordsof description rather than of limitation. It is to be understood thatchanges and variations may be made without departing from the spirit orthe scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for treating an aqueous solutioncomprising: a u-shaped tube; an inlet tube connected to said u-shapedtube, said inlet tube being connected to said u-shaped tube via an inletswivel joint; an outlet tube connected to said u-shaped tube, saidoutlet tube being connected to said u-shaped tube via an outlet swiveljoint; and an ozonator, said ozonator being in communication with saidu-shaped tube, said ozonator being configured to deliver ozone to saidu-shaped tube for combining an aqueous solution flowing through saidtube with ozone, said ozone being delivered to said u-shaped tube bysaid ozonator in amounts sufficient to oxidize organic matter containedin said aqueous solution.
 2. A system as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid inlet tube and said outlet tube are axially opposed.
 3. A system asdefined in claim 1, wherein said u-shaped tube is connected to saidinlet tube and to said outlet tube in a manner that permits axialrotation.
 4. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein said ozonatorfurther comprises a nozzle positioned within said u-shaped tube throughwhich ozone is emitted.
 5. A system as defined in claim 4, wherein saidu-shaped tube includes a bottom section, said nozzle of said ozonatorbeing located in said bottom section.
 6. A system as defined in claim 5,wherein said bottom section of said u-shaped tube is at an elevationlower than said inlet tube and said outlet tube.
 7. A system as definedin claim 1, further comprising a pump configured to pump said aqueoussolution into said inlet tube.
 8. A system as defined in claim 1,wherein said ozonator comprises an ozone generator configured togenerate ozone from air.
 9. A system as defined in claim 1, furthercomprising a containment chamber surrounding said u-shaped tube.
 10. Asystem for treating an aqueous solution with ozone comprising: a venturiincluding a first end and second end; an inlet tube in fluidcommunication with said first end of said venturi, said inlet tube forreceiving an aqueous solution to be treated; an outlet tube in fluidcommunication with said second end of said venturi; a u-shaped tubeconnected to said inlet tube at one end and to said outlet tube at anopposite end and having a bottom section, said venturi being locatedalong said bottom section; and an ozonator, said ozonator being incommunication with said venturi, said ozonator being configured to feedozone into said venturi for combining with said aqueous solution inamounts sufficient to oxidize matter contained in said solution.
 11. Asystem as defined in claim 10, further comprising a pump configured topump said aqueous solution into said inlet tube.
 12. A system as definedin claim 11, wherein said inlet tube and said outlet tube are placed influid communication with a treatment chamber and wherein a solutioncontained in said treatment chamber is directed through said venturi forozonating said solution.
 13. A system as defined in claim 10, whereinsaid bottom section of said u-shaped tube is at an elevation lower thansaid inlet tube and said outlet tube.
 14. A system as defined in claim10, wherein said inlet tube and said outlet tube are placed in fluidcommunication with a treatment chamber and wherein a solution containedin said treatment chamber is directed through said venturi for ozonatingsaid solution.
 15. A device for treating an aqueous solution with ozonecomprising: a u-shaped tube including a first end and a second end; aninlet tube connected to said first end of said u-shaped tube, said inlettube being connected to said u-shaped tube in a manner that allows saidu-shaped tube to swivel; an outlet tube connected to said second end ofsaid u-shaped tube, said outlet tube being connected to said u-shapedtube in a manner that allows said u-shaped tube to swivel; and anozonator, said ozonator being in communication with said u-shaped tube,said ozonator being configured to form ozone and to deliver said ozoneto said u-shaped tube for combining with an aqueous solution flowingthrough said tube, said ozone being fed to said u-shaped tube in anamount sufficient to oxidize organic matter contained within saidaqueous solution.
 16. A system as defined in claim 15, furthercomprising a venturi located along said u-shaped tube, said ozonatorbeing in fluid communication with said venturi for feeding said ozone tosaid venturi.
 17. A system as defined in claim 15, wherein said ozonatorfurther comprises a nozzle positioned within said u-shaped tube throughwhich ozone is emitted.
 18. A system as defined in claim 15, whereinsaid u-shaped tube includes a bottom section, said nozzle of saidozonator being located in said bottom section.
 19. A system as definedin claim 18, wherein said bottom section of said u-shaped tube is at anelevation lower than said inlet tube and said outlet tube.